Ingredients

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

CAS number: 151-21-3/ 68585-47-7 (generic)/ 68955-19-1 (generic)/ 73296-89-6/ 85586-07-8
"Medium penalty" in all categories.
  • Origin(s): Synthetic
  • Other languages: Lauril Sulfato de Sodio, Lauril sulfato de sódio, Laurylsulfate de sodium (SLS), Natriumlaurylsulfat, Sodio lauril solfato
  • INCI name: SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
  • EINECS/ELINCS number: 205-788-1/ -/ -/277-362-3/ -
  • Food additive: E487
  • Classification: Sulphate, Anionic surfactant
  • Bio-compatible (COSMOS Reference)
Namely Sodium Lauryl sulfate is a surfactant widely used in cosmetics. It is produced mostly from palm oil. It has a very strong foaming and detergent power, but it is criticized for its very irritating and drying effect on the skin, so much so that it is found less and less often in shower gels and bath products. Manufacturers prefer to use the ethoxylated version (SLES = Sodium Laureth Sulfate) less abrasive or other softer surfactants. However, it remains very present in toothpastes for adults (57% contain it) and children (42%).
SLS is also criticized for being a pollutant for the environment, animals, aquatic environments or even plants. Nevertheless, it is authorized in organic.

It is classified according to REACH: Ecotoxic (Aquatic Chronic 3).
Its functions (INCI)
  • Cleansing : Helps to keep a clean surface
  • Denaturant : Makes cosmetics unpleasant. Mainly added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol
  • Foaming : Capturing small air bubbles or other gases in a small volume of liquid by changing the surface tension of the liquid
  • Surfactant : Reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product when it is used
This ingredient is present in 2.76% of cosmetics.
Adult toothpaste (54.6%)
Lip polish (45.76%)
Anti-dandruff shampoo (43.14%)
Children toothpaste (25.73%)
Shaving cream (22.45%)

Products that contain them

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